Quarter 3, Lesson 6- PARALLELISM/PARALLEL STRUCTURES
To improve the clarity of your writing, it is important to remember the equality of your sentence structure.
Parallel Structure means using the same construction for sentence elements that are the same in function.
Parallel structure is the use of the same pattern of words to add symmetry or balance in sentences.
Parallel structure (also called parallelism) means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have
the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level.
The use of parallel structures can add to the effectiveness of your writing. This involves presenting your thoughts in an
orderly manner so that your reader can easily follow your thoughts.
Below are three rules to consider when checking for Parallel Structure in your writing:
1. Parallel Structure should be used when elements are joined by coordinating conjunctions:
Incorrect: I am allergic to the dog’s hair and how it smells.
Correct: I am allergic to the dog’s hair and smell.
2. Parallel Structure should be used when writing elements in the form of a
list or a series:
Incorrect: The class valued respect, honesty, and being on time as a teacher.
Correct: The class valued respect, honesty, and promptness in a teacher.
3. Parallel Structure should be used when comparing or contrasting elements (A is better than B or X is less than
Y)
Incorrect: James enjoys reading more than to write.
Correct: James enjoys reading more than writing.
Note: If the sentence includes time signals that indicate the action happening at a different time or will happen in
the future, disregard this rule.
Example: Edna is an industrious student, an obedient daughter, and a loyal friend. In the use of parallel structure,
grammatical balance should be observed.
If a parallel structure is not observed there will be a disruption of rhythm, thus there will be grammatical
unbalance.
More Examples:
1. Toni Gonzaga is a multi-talented celebrity. Singing, acting, and being a host are some of her talents. No error
What do you think is the error in the sentence?
You are correct! The answer is “being a host”, it is the error in the sentence.
Explanation: In the list of talents that Toni Gonzaga has, two items are gerunds, or verbs being used as nouns ("singing"
and "acting"), whereas "being a host" is a phrase. Thus, "being a host" does not fit with the parallel structure, and should
be changed to "hosting.”
2. I live in a condominium on a higher floor than my boss. No error
What do you think is the error in the sentence?
You are correct! The answer is “boss”, it is the error in the sentence.
Explanation: Only like things can be compared. "My apartment" can be compared to "that of my boss" or my "boss”
Correct: I live in a condominium on a higher floor than my boss’ apartment.
Correlative Conjunctions and Parallel Structure
Correlative Conjunctions
either/or neither/nor not/but not only/but(also) both/and
To use parallel structure in a sentence, words/phrases joined together by correlative conjunctions should be of the same
grammatical level or structure.
Wrong: The mall requires not only wearing face masks but also face shields.
Right: The mall requires wearing not only face masks but also face shields.
In the example above the first part of the sentence, not only, joins the verb wanted.
While the second part, but also, joins the direct object face masks.
To achieve parallel structure, you must join two elements of the same grammatical level.
Neither - Nor Mistakes
The elements joined together by correlative conjunctions should be equal to achieve a parallel structure. An example:
Wrong: For the talent contest, she neither wanted to sing nor to dance.
Right: For the talent contest, she wanted neither to sing nor to dance.
Either - Or Mistakes
Some examples:
Wrong: Either you answer your modules or attending online classes.
Right: Either you answer your modules or attend online classes
